Holy Shizz! I can’t believe Opening Day is already here, it seems like a couple weeks ago I was opening up the 2016 season with Mad Max. I hope you all had a great off season, but now it’s time to get back into the swing of things and started building that DFS account. Practically every ace is going today, so I know you’re asking yourself, why Danny Duffy, $16,800? Although I maybe a little rusty with my picks, I can assure you The Duffman won’t be showing any signs of rust as he’s already in mid May form. I’m sure you all followed the WBC this year, dude was absolutely lights out grabbing 2 W’s, 8 K’s, and 1 ER in 8 innings of work. He has a solid matchup versus the Twins and I think he’s stretched out enough to give us a solid 6 innings. Granted, it’s early so dumping all your money on top arms isn’t the best strategy, so I’m really feeling the mid level guys like Duffy, Kendall Graveman at $11,200 and Jon Gray at $15,200. Just a quick update on the DFS format. We’ve changed gears this year and I think you guys are really going to enjoy the format with FantasyDraft Sunday thru Tuesday. It’s still a two pitcher roster, but you have three IF, three OF and two Utility spots, so the positions don’t matter. That means no more catchers; Woo Hoo! There’s still catchers available to roster, but you won’t hear much from me about them. I’m really excited about the new format as it allows for a lot more flexibility. Anyways, on to the picks!
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Clayton Kershaw, SP: $24,900 – The human K machine is facing the Padres. Not sure how many innings he’ll be out there, but if it’s more than six you can count on double digit K’s.
Jon Gray, SP: $15,200 – He’s used to playing in Coors, so think of it as a night off in an easier park. I don’t seem him being heavily owned and he can rack up some Ks. This is an early start so be sure to jump on this right away.
Noah Syndergaard, SP: $22,500 – I can’t, not, not mention Thor! He’s going against a somewhat revamped Atlanta squad that looks like it should have a little more offense pop than last year. Exactly what did Thor do in the off season? He spent the winter eating bowls of venison and wants to throw harder this season. How can you not love this guy.
Nolan Arenado, IF: $9,500 – The Torenado is making a rare indoor appearance in Milwaukee tonight. He’s facing hard throwing Junior Guerra and he’s another guy that started heating up during the WBC.
Danny Valencia, IF: $6,400 – The lefty killer is facing Dallas Keuchel and he’s rocking a solid BVP of 8/16 with 2 HRs.
Corey Seager, IF: $8,400 – It’s been in the 80’s here in LA and he’s facing Jhoulys Chacin. Yes, please and thank you.
Albert Pujols, IF: $7,200 – I think they need to start calling him The Time Machine, he great for me last year and I’ll ride him until the wheels fall off.
Ryon Healy, IF: $6,400 – Solid value play against Ricky Nolasco. Wow, slim pickens for the Angels pitching staff. Let’s go ahead and green light the A’s bats tonight.
Nelson Cruz, OF: $8,400 – I expect Keuchel to get handled tonight with the big bats from the M’s. BVP 9/22 with 3 HRs.
Adam Duvall, IF/OF: $7,600 – If the rain stays away I like this play vs Jermey Hellickson.
Carlos Beltran, OF: $7,200 – The old man is back in Houston and he’s still got some pop left in his bat. He feasts on Felix with a BVP of 7/14.
Edwin Encarnacion, IF/Util: $8,200 – He should be underowned facing Yu Darvish tonight, but E5 is standing by to break out with his new team.
Eric Hosmer, IF/Util: $7,200 – I’m rolling with the WBC guys tonight, they’re high off winning the whole thing so I think they come out hot.
I’m Only Happy When it Rains
There’s a 50% chance of rain in both the PHI V CIN and KC v MIN.
DET v CHW looks pretty rough as it’s definitely going to thunderstorm at 95% for 3 hours.
Doing Lines In Vegas
No surprise here as Kershaw and Dodgers are -360 vs San Diego. Looks like the PIT v BOS is supposed to be the highest scoring at 9 O/U.